Ray Allen News: Pro Sports Daily

Presti made right call on Ray Allen, Rashard Lewis

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June 9

The Oklahoman

"Ray Allen became a champion nearly one year to the date after general manager Sam Presti traded him from Seattle to Boston. Rashard Lewis, nearly two years after Presti agreed to a sign-and-trade that sent him to Orlando, is now a handful of wins from helping the Magic hoist that same gold championship ball. The successes of the former franchise cornerstones has made it easy for some to waive the "I-told-you-so" finger at Presti and team chairman Clay Bennett, who were accused of gutting the team with the intent to create fan apathy and split for Oklahoma City.Former Sonics vice chairman Lenny Wilkens told the Seattle Times last week he urged Bennett to not dismantle the team. Wilkens ..."

Allen has been a missing piece

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May 15

Boston Globe

"Ray Allen definitely knows what the Magic are doing to him. Stopping it from happening, however, is a completely different challenge. The All-Star sharp-shooting guard missed 9 of 11 field-goal attempts last night and was held to 5 points while coughing up four turnovers during an 83-75 loss to Orlando in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. Allen isn't the only one to blame for Boston's offensive woes. The Celtics had playoff lows in total points, points in the third quarter and in the fourth quarter, and they made 19 turnovers that led to 28 Orlando points. But for the series, Allen is shooting a team-worst 30.7 percent from the field and has missed 31 of 36 3-point attempts ..."

In Ray Allen, Celtics believe

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May 14

Boston Herald

"The Celtics don't worry about Ray Allen. The fans? Maybe. They see the veteran guard stuck in a drought, and the natural response is concern. Most were probably concerned Tuesday night, too. With the Celtics trailing by two points with 1:21 left, Allen was 2-for-10 from the field. Extending back to Game 4, he was 8-for-23. Back to Game 3? How about a brow-furrowing 11-for-36. He had hit one 3-pointer since Game 2 - and that one coming in the second quarter Tuesday. Otherwise, he had gone 0-for-10 from downtown over the previous two games. But when he curled off a pick to bury the trey that gave the Celtics the lead for good in Game 5, Doc Rivers treated the event like an inevitable ..."

Cold Ray Allen gets call

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May 13

Boston Herald

"In Ray they trust. After missing eight of his previous 10 shots, Ray Allen curled off a pick with 1:20 left in the game to bury the game-winning 3-pointer in the Celtics' 92-88 win last night against Orlando. "It's funny, (TNT sideline reporter) David Aldridge asked me, 'Who are you going to go to?' " coach Doc Rivers said. "I said, 'What are you talking about? We're absolutely going to Ray. He's a shot-maker. He can be 0-for-20, and he's a shot-maker.' I don't know if I believed it at that moment when I was saying it, but it happened for us, so I was very happy. "I say this all the time about him and Paul (Pierce) - great players have the ability to forget. All of us average guys and ..."

Allen's best has been missing

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May 12

Boston Globe

"As odd as it may sound, you have to scroll down a bit to find Ray Allen on the list of the Celtics' top playoff scorers. In this Eastern Conference semifinal series against Orlando, Allen is fifth behind Paul Pierce, Rajon Rondo, Glen Davis, and reserve Eddie House, averaging 12.8 points through four games. Allen, known as one of the NBA's great shooters, is hitting 34 percent from the field, 12.5 percent (3 of 22) from 3-point range. In the past two games, he was 0 for 10 from 3-point range and took only two free throws. Easing the pain of Allen's shooting woes is the fact that the Celtic evened the best-of-seven series with a 95-94 win in Game 4 Sunday night. Game 5 is tonight at TD ..."

Celtics' Ray Allen, M.L. Carr aim to shoot down diabetes

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May 8

Boston Herald

"Celtics shooting stars from two generations are teaming up to help bounce diabetes out of the danger zone. M.L. Carr and Ray Allen are stepping to the line to fight a disease that hits both at home. "When I was first diagnosed, I was very private about this condition. But once I learned about the prevalence of this condition in the African-American community, I wanted to contribute to the awareness of the condition and the prevention of complications," said Carr, 58, of Weston. Carr has been fighting Type 2 diabetes for several years, while Allen's son, Walker, 2, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in January 2008. Both men have taken an active role in helping to raise awareness about the ..."

Good point by Ray Allen

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May 7

Boston Herald

"For most of last night the Big Three was reduced to the Lonely One. Fortunately for the Celtics, Lonely came up Big. With Kevin Garnett in street clothes and Paul Pierce in enough foul trouble that he would play just 16 minutes, it fell to Ray Allen to remind the young whippersnappers from Orlando who the Boston Celtics really are. Two days after struggling mightily in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, and before Game 2 began, Allen explained in one sentence the secret of a great shooter's success. He then gave four quarters worth of audio-visual aids in case anyone didn't get the message. After the kind of dismal performance that would have convinced a less hardy man to give up ..."

Ray Allen hopes Game 2 revives game

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May 6

Boston Herald

"As great as Ray Allen has played in the playoffs, he is a star-crossed character when it comes to kicking off a series. His 2-for-12 performance in the Celtics' loss to Orlando in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals Monday night was undercut only by his 1-for-12 showing in Game 1 against Chicago during the first round. Among other concerns, then, the Celtics must once again find a way to free up their best shooter in Game 2 tonight. "Ray's Game 1s have not been great," coach Doc Rivers said after yesterday's practice. "I don't know what he does, but we have to change it. For sure I'm hoping he has a Game 2 like he had in the last series. That would be terrific. He had good looks ..."

Incredibly, Allen felt he came up just short

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May 1

Boston Globe

"Fifty-one points in 59 minutes. A playoff franchise-record nine 3-pointers. The euphoria of being unstoppable in a sold-out building on the road. Those were supposed to be highlights Ray Allen would remember after one of the greatest performances of his illustrious career. But instead of reminiscing about his hot hand, Allen was mad at himself for not being able to get 2 more points that could have led the Celtics to victory instead of a stunning, 128-127 triple-overtime loss to the Bulls in Game 6 at the United Center last night. Allen and the Celtics are now dealt a do-or-die Game 7 tomorrow at TD Banknorth Garden. "As an individual I do everything I can to be ready for whatever play ..."

Ray Allen brilliant in defeat

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May 1

Boston Herald

"Ray Allen scored 51 points in 59 minutes of a 68-minute game. There are few words that can adequately describe how brilliant his performance was, how he found ways at the most critical times to beat a defense bent on stopping him. Were basketball an individual game, he would have been smiling as he walked down the United Center hallway in his fine suit. But the numbers that truly matter - 128 for the Bulls, 127 for the Celtics - eclipsed Ray's ray of sunshine. After scoring his career playoff high, Allen was left to think about the ones that got away. "After the game, I was thinking about the plays I missed," he said. "When you are on the losing end, that's what you remember." Allen came ..."

Allen left to watch crunch time from sideline after fouling out

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April 29

Boston Globe

"No amount of desire was going to get Ray Allen into the most critical moments of Game 5 against Chicago last night. A chirping whistle followed Allen most of the night until the 5:27 mark of the fourth quarter when he and Chicago's Brad Miller got tangled up on a screen and each were handed fouls. For Miller, it was his second of the night, but for Allen, it was a ticket to the bench. Allen left steamed, with 10 points and six fouls in a little more than 26 minutes of play. The Celtics trailed, 83-80, at that point, but eventually came back to secure a 106-104 victory in overtime to take a 3-2 lead in the series. Allen said all he can do now is try to figure out where he erred and move on. ..."

He didn't seem hamstrung

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April 29

Boston Globe

"Ray Allen didn't want to hear so much as a sound bite about Ben Gordon's strained hamstring. As it is, Allen boycotts the news during the playoffs. No TV. No newspaper. He flopped down to take a nap and flipped the remote almost out of habit, and suddenly, he was hearing voices. The "SportsCenter" voices. "They started talking about our series," Allen said. "I didn't even want to know what [they were] talking about. I just flipped it. I know they were talking about what he was feeling." At that point, Gordon was "looking for a miracle." His doctor's note was littered with words like "day to day," "painkillers," "swelling," "shots," and "electrical stimulation." Allen could only buy so much ..."

Credit scorer with rebound, too

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April 21

Boston Globe

"The Celtics were down 3 points to Chicago at halftime, but it felt like more. The Bulls were relentless, Derrick Rose was playing like a playoff-tested veteran, and with every shot he hit, Ben Gordon was upping the ante for teams interested in the soon-to-be unrestricted free agent. The Celtics had Kevin Garnett on the bench, Leon Powe in the hospital, and Rajon Rondo on the trainer's table. "I need one volunteer," Rivers said. "One volunteer to score for us, to step up for us." Ray Allen didn't see it as volunteering. "I just went out and played like who I am," he said. "I was who I was. I didn't do anything outside of my skin. I played my role." Allen had missed 11 of 12 shots in Game 1 ..."

Late 3-pointer by Allen brings Celtics even

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April 21

Boston Globe

"The Celtics' home-court advantage has produced an overtime loss and last night's last-gasp, 118-115 victory over the Chicago Bulls. That would not seem to be an encouraging sign for Games 3 (Thursday) and 4 (Sunday) in Chicago. Or, maybe it is, according to captain Paul Pierce. "I think we feel very confident," Pierce said. "We feel like we haven't played good basketball yet. I feel like this is pretty much our 'C' game. We've given up 100 points two games in a row, allowed people to shoot 49, 50 percent. I think our best is yet to come in this series." But it is clear the Celtics' playoff run is either going to be shorter or rockier than last season, judging by the loss of Leon Powe (left ..."

Ray Allen stuck in a dream

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April 21

Boston Herald

"As he left the floor at halftime last night, Ray Allen had two points on 1-for-4 shooting. That made him 2-for-16 from the parquet for the last six quarters. Hard as it may have been to fathom at that point, he was, in the words of the guy playing the Garden tonight and tomorrow, "working on a dream." With two seconds left, Allen came off a pick and threw in a 3-pointer that completed a 28-point half and a 118-115 Celtics victory to even the first-round series with the Bulls at 1. Bruce Springsteen can only hope to get the ovation that carried Allen off the court. "There's nothing greater than hitting the game-winning shot," said the Celts guard, who lost the battle with fellow UConn ..."

Offensive plan aims to get Allen involved

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April 20

Boston Globe

"The Celtics concluded practice yesterday on a positive note - Ray Allen sinking a 3-pointer during a half-court scrimmage. Allen then went through shooting drills and departed without speaking to the media. Allen had one of his worst games of the season - a 1-for-12 shooting performance - in the Celtics' 105-103 overtime loss to Chicago Saturday. And Allen will continue to be a focal point of the Celtics' offense and the Bulls' defense when the teams meet in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series tonight. "Regardless of the way Ray played or the way he shot the ball, we're going to continue to get Ray open - our job is to get him open," Celtics captain Paul Pierce said. "He's one of ..."

Case closed: Get Ray Allen open

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April 20

Boston Herald

"Practices usually don't run this long or hard so late in the season, but everyone - Ray Allen especially - needed something yesterday to create a spark. The Celtics [team stats] guard, who was just 1-for-12 from the field in Saturday's Game 1 first-round playoff loss to Chicago, sliced out to the top of the circle and buried a jumper. The ball rattled through - not with Allen's customary swish but certainly better than all but one shot he took in the opener. Coach Doc Rivers called everyone in and ended practice at that moment. Muscle memory will be important in Game 2 tonight at the Garden. So too will effective pick setting - one of the many skills the team lacked in Game 1. "Our job is ..."

Allen aim: Improve accuracy

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April 19

Boston Globe

"A white towel was draped around his neck and another was wrapped tightly around his waist when Ray Allen emerged from the showers in the Celtics' locker room. With his shaving kit in hand, Allen shot a glance at the throng of media waiting in front of his locker and quickly ducked into the trainer's room, as is his custom, to get dressed. When he emerged in a suit and tie, Allen went to his locker to address the media, but it was evident he was not about to throw in the towel after going 1 for 12 from the field and 0 for 6 from the 3-point arc in Boston's 105-103 overtime loss to the Bulls yesterday in the home opener of their best-of-seven playoff series. Shooters never stop shooting, and ..."

1st series puts chill on Ray Allen's shot

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April 19

Boston Herald

"Ray Allen and the first round of the NBA playoffs do not mix. One year after starting a brutal postseason shooting slump against the Atlanta Hawks, Allen once again found himself misfiring yesterday. Allen went 1-for-12 from the field and back-rimmed a baseline jumper in the final second of overtime that allowed the Chicago Bulls to escape the Garden with a 105-103 upset victory in Game 1. "I never found a rhythm," Allen said. "I had a couple early that went in and out and after that they were kind of spotty." With Kevin Garnett out, the Celts needed big performances from the remaining two-thirds of their Big Three, and only Paul Pierce [stats] delivered. Allen finished with four points ..."

Anderson Varejao gets Ray Allen angry

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April 13

Boston Herald

"Anderson Varejao may want to bring a security detail to his next game against the Celtics. In a March 3 game at the Garden, the Cavaliers center was clothes-lined by Glen Davis. Yesterday he got tangled up with Ray Allen while boxing out during a Paul Pierce free throw. Allen claims that Varejao threw him to the ground. Varejao claims that Allen elbowed him in the groin area while springing back up from the floor. Each player received a technical foul. "He doesn't like Brazilians or maybe he doesn't like my hair," Varejao said after the Celtics' 107-76 loss. "You don't hit a man in his (groin area). But I'm OK." Allen's anger hadn't abated by the time he reached the locker room, either. ..."

Ray Allen honored with Auerbach award

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April 11

Boston Herald

"Ray Allen, sent home along with Stephon Marbury from Thursday's practice because of a stomach virus, was rewarded handsomely for bouncing back last night. The Celtics guard was named the fourth recipient of the Red Auerbach Award and was kept in the dark until his name was announced during a pregame ceremony. Managing partners Wyc Grousbeck, Steve Pagliuca and Robert Epstein presented Allen with the trophy at midcourt. "I'm thinking OK, somebody's getting an award," Allen said of his surprise. "And then when they said Celtic, I looked behind me to see who was going to step up. It was a great surprise. I was totally overwhelmed. I like the way they did it. I don't know what my reaction ..."

Big shot Ray Allen follows through with heroics

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April 2

Boston Herald

"With 1:45 left in the first overtime, Ray Allen had his shot blocked by Emeka Okafor. With 33.9 seconds remaining in the second overtime, Ray Allen airmailed a 3-pointer from the right wing. In the words of future Senator Blutarsky, "Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?" Thoroughly undaunted, Allen followed up the block by hitting a trey that allowed the Celtics admission to the second OT. Then, after his launch into the vapor (and a Charlotte miss), Allen stood patiently in the right corner as Paul Pierce drove and kicked the ball out. Allen accepted the pass and burned the Bobcats with a 3-pointer that gave the Celts a 111-109 victory. "That's Ray," Pierce said. "He's a ..."

Celtics' Allen is on the road to recovery

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March 27

Boston Globe

""Gucci," as his teammates call him, wasn't himself as he sat quietly in the locker room prior to the Celtics' 84-82 loss to the Magic Wednesday. Tony Allen wasn't rapping to hip-hop music playing in his earphones. There was no trash talking with Eddie House, Paul Pierce, Rajon Rondo, or Kendrick Perkins. Allen didn't engage any of the media with his warm greeting of "What's up, homeboy?" An injury has quieted one of the Celtics' most vibrant personalities. Allen is expected to return from left thumb surgery in two weeks, and the Celtics hope the Allen they know will be back soon. "Hanging around a lot of the guys, they ask me, 'When are you coming back? We need you,' " Allen said ..."

Garnett, Allen taking flight?

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March 19

Boston Globe

"The shorthanded Celtics could be getting some crucial reinforcements as soon as tomorrow. Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen are on the team's plane to Texas for tomorrow night's game against the Spurs. While it remains uncertain whether either will play -- Garnett has been sidelined since Feb. 19 with strained right knee, while Allen suffered a hyperextended elbow Tuesday against the Bulls and missed last night's win over Miami -- it is an encouraging sign that both players are making the trip. Garnett has not accompanied the Celtics on a road trip since suffering his injury. Coach Doc Rivers has said he will err on the side of caution regarding Garnett's return date, but the All-Star forward ..."

A Buck and change

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March 16

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

"Regrets? Yes, Ray Allen has a few - even though he has a humongous championship ring in his possession after helping to lead the Boston Celtics to an NBA title last season. But the former Milwaukee Bucks star revealed Sunday that he really wanted to play his entire career in Milwaukee. He also said he believed he could have won an NBA title with the Bucks if he hadn't been traded to Seattle late in the 2002-'03 season. Allen still blames his departure on former Bucks coach George Karl, who favored the deal that sent Allen to the SuperSonics and brought veteran point guard Gary Payton and young forward Desmond Mason to Milwaukee. Payton played 28 regular-season games and six playoff ..."

School ties for Richard Hamilton, Ray Allen

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March 2

Boston Herald

"Ray Allen does not wear the green elastic sleeve on his left elbow for fashion purposes, or to keep his elbow warm. Instead, it’s a UConn thing. He started wearing the sleeve because Detroit’s Richard Hamilton, his fellow alumnus and a player known for having some of the longest fingernails in the NBA, likes to swipe at the elbow. Indeed, whenever they play, Allen and Hamilton look like two brothers going a little too hard at each other out in the driveway. “Honestly, I don’t know why it gets that way, really,” Allen said before the Celtics’ 105-95 loss to Detroit yesterday. “But he slaps at me harder. He’s the reason I started wearing this sleeve. (The sleeve) has also become good luck ..."

Upbeat about Stephon Marbury

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February 26

Boston Herald

"Sources confirmed yesterday that Stephon Marbury is headed to the Celtics, not that there has been any doubt. And though Doc Rivers still can’t talk about him, he did admit he’s gotten calls from coaches who think the Celts are crazy to bring the guard on board. Rivers also has received some positive messages, but that didn’t stop the media from asking him why the defending champs would want to add a player with such a troubled past. “Because,” Rivers said, “we want to be defending champs again next year.” After spending much of morning practice at a UCLA student gym trying to ready newcomer Mikki Moore for last night’s game against the Clippers, the coach let it be known that it won’t ..."

Celtics’ stars get fresh perspective

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February 17

Boston Herald

"Ray Allen is the guy who did schoolwork on weekends, who turned a trip to the beach into a hunt for starfish. He showed up for Sunday’s All-Star Game and left Phoenix with study tips. And you don’t think the Celtics, who resume action Thursday night in Utah, are anxious to get back to business? Just consider Allen’s take on the Eastern Conference’s horrid 146-119 loss to the Western Conference. The East was so strapped for size that 215-pound forward Rashard Lewis of the Magic ended up attempting to put a body on 315-pound co-MVP Shaquille O’Neal of the Suns down the stretch. Allen wanted one Celtic teammate in particular to take that mismatch personally. “I told Paul (Pierce) while we ..."

Garnett & Co. ready to play some defense

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February 17

Boston Globe

"Kevin Garnett was about as laid-back as he can get for a basketball game Sunday night in Phoenix. But Garnett is ready to switch out of All-Star mode as he joins his Celtic teammates for Thursday's game against the Utah Jazz. "I wish this was a week," Garnett said of the All-Star break. "It's really not a break. But now, the weekend is over and it's time to get ready for the second half of the season and get ready to jump back into the routine." Garnett played 18 minutes as a starter for the East in a 146-119 loss to the West Sunday. Teammates Ray Allen and Paul Pierce played slightly longer, but the three Celtics were never in the lineup together. They will be reunited for tipoff ..."

Different play for Big 3

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February 16

Boston Herald

"Watching Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen in last night’s All-Star Game was like watching a foreign film without subtitles. They were strangers in a strange land. They were Celtics out of (competitive) water. This NBA showcase has become the hoop equivalent of “Dancing with the Stars.” Only they don’t try as hard to win. And considering the way the Boston Professional Basketball Club has come to define itself, it was almost humorous to see the leaders in such a laissez faire setting. It makes you appreciate every other game in which they play. As the Western Conference took the 146-119 measure of the East, it had to be a shock to the system of people who win with their defense. ..."

Ray Allen shines brighter than ever

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February 14

Boston Herald

"The question involved something that happens every February, when the NBA’s emerging generation of All-Stars nudges the old guard a little further out the door. But as he thought about the rosters for tomorrow’s game, Derek Fisher- a participant in tonight’s shooting stars competition - felt good about the over-30 club’s representation. Fisher ran off the names - Shaquille O’Neal, Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Ray Allen. Future Hall of Famers, one and all, rounding out great careers. Except Allen, who apparently is still improving at the age of 33, showing it’s possible to add a little something in your 13th season. “If you just look at Ray in purely statistical terms, he’s more ..."

Allen back in action

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February 13

Boston Globe

"Ray Allen got the thumbs-up to play last night and in Sunday's All-Star Game. Allen sprained his right thumb during the Celtics' 89-77 win at New Orleans Wednesday and sat out the second half. But after shooting for 15 minutes in a workout before last night's 99-92 win over the Mavericks at American Airlines Center, he said he could endure the pain. While trainer Ed Lacerte offered Allen a thumb brace and protection, he opted not to use them. Apparently, he didn't need them as he scored 20 points. "The first time I caught the ball [in the workout], I had a little stinging pain," said Allen. "I just got used to it and figured that's probably how it's going to be. I saw the X-rays, so I ..."

Thumbs up for Ray Allen

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February 13

Boston Herald

"After learning he wouldn’t risk more serious injury, Ray Allen decided to play with a sprained right thumb last night against the Mavericks. The Celtics guard also said he will be good to go for Sunday’s All-Star Game in Phoenix. “I saw the X-ray (Wednesday) night, so I wasn’t worried about it getting any worse,” Allen said. “It’s just a matter of dealing with whatever pain there is.” Allen went through his traditional pregame session late yesterday, and after some initial discomfort, he decided he could go. “The first couple of times I caught the ball there was still a stinging pain, but then I just got used to it,” he said. Allen then went for 20 points in 35 minutes to help the C’s ..."

Allen will try to play tonight

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February 12

Boston Globe

"With his right hand wrapped in black tape, Ray Allen looked more like he was getting ready for a boxing match than recovering from a basketball game. But despite missing the second half of the Celtics' 89-77 win over the Hornets last night with a hyperextended right thumb, the All-Star guard hopes he will return tonight at Dallas. Allen was injured in the first quarter when his thumb got caught in the jersey of teammate Kendrick Perkins. After scoring 1 point and not making a field goal in 19 minutes, Allen left for good with 8:01 left in the second quarter because he couldn't hold onto the ball. Allen was replaced at the start of the second half by Gabe Pruitt. Allen said he still had ..."

Allen again an All-Star

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February 6

Boston Globe

"With Ray Allen joining the party late again, the Celtics' Big Three are back as a trio in the All-Star Game. Commissioner David Stern yesterday named Allen the replacement for injured Orlando guard Jameer Nelson. For the second straight season, he will join teammates Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce on the All-Star roster as an injury replacement. The All-Star Game is Feb. 15 in Phoenix. "I'm elated, ecstatic," Allen said. "Nine times [an All-Star] for me. When I think about where I came from with all the things I've wanted to do in my career, being in this game, it's a team game, to be recognized as one of the best, I'm always overjoyed. Regardless of how it comes, what team I was on, who my ..."

Ray Allen hangs with stars

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February 6

Boston Herald

"Celtics guard Ray Allen remains humbled by his place of honor in the NBA. Commissioner David Stern yesterday named Allen to replace Orlando Magic point guard Jameer Nelson on the Eastern Conference squad for the NBA All-Star Game in Phoenix on Feb. 15. Allen will be making his ninth appearance, second with the Celtics, and he expressed his appreciation prior to last night’s 110-109 overtime loss to the Los Angeles Lakers at TD Banknorth Garden. “I’m elated, I’m ecstatic,” said Allen, who scored 22 points last night. “Nine times for me. When I think about where I came from and all the things I wanted to do in my career in a team game and to be recognized as one of the best nine times, for ..."

Ray Allen named All-Star replacement

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February 5

Boston Globe

"Ray Allen has played like an All-Star all season for the 41-9 Celtics. Today, he officially became one for the ninth time in his NBA career. The NBA announced this afternoon that Allen will replace injured Orlando Magic guard Jameer Nelson on the Eastern Conference All-Star team for the Feb. 15 game in Phoenix. Allen will join teammates Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce on the East squad for the second straight season. Garnett was voted in by fans, while coaches selected Pierce as a reserve. The Celtics were disappointed when the 33-year-old Allen was not selected when rosters were announced Jan. 30. "It's not about numbers," team president Danny Ainge said after learning of Allen's exclusion. ..."

Ray Allen to play in All-Star Game

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February 5

Boston Herald

"Ray Allen had 28 points in last year’s All-Star Game, but the day was lacking a little something because Kevin Garnett’s abdominal injury left him unable to take the court with teammates Allen and Paul Pierce. But as of today, all three are healthy - and on the Eastern Conference roster for the Feb. 15 game in Phoenix. Allen was named late this afternoon as an injury replacement for Orlando’s Jameer Nelson (torn labrum, right shoulder). This is the second straight year Allen has been named as an injury replacement. Last year Allen had 28 points in the East win."

Allen's winner leaves his coach starstruck

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February 4

Boston Globe

"Ray Allen's last-second 3-pointer in the Celtics' 100-99 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers last night might have earned him an All-Star call. Allen, who converted two threes in the final 31 seconds, is a candidate to replace Orlando's Jameer Nelson (torn shoulder labrum) in the Feb. 15 event in Phoenix. "I think he's an All-Star," coach Doc Rivers said. "Paul [ Pierce] gave the passes up both times, and that's why we win games, because our guys play together. "We didn't panic, in the timeout, when there was three-something [minutes] left. I said, 'Guys, we have a ton of time left, we just have to take it one at a time, we can't get frustrated, just hang in there.' " Last year, Allen was ..."

Ray Allen is a star in their eyes

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February 1

Boston Herald

"Kevin Garnett wasn’t happy Ray Allen wasn’t named an All-Star reserve last week, but he wasn’t surprised the veteran Celtics guard took it so well. “He’s a professional,” Garnett said. “He’s not an (expletive). We’ve all got (expletive) in us, but he’s a professional about it. It’s out of his hands. Ain’t nothing you can do about it. You roll with the punches. You keep it moving. You continue to play well and continue to be who you are for your team. But it don’t make it right.” Garnett believes the Celtics standing should have had more of an influence in Allen’s favor.“I mean, this league is different, dog,” he said. “I don’t know what the hell it is now. I know back in the day a lot of ..."

Ray Allen not upset by snub

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January 31

Boston Herald

"Last year, Ray Allen wasn’t initially chosen for the NBA All-Star Game and he wound up scoring 28 points in 19 minutes as an injury replacement. Allen was left off the roster again this year. So how many will he score in Phoenix? “Zero,” he said before the Celtics beat the Pistons, 86-78, last night. “I’ll be trying for birdies.” Kevin Garnett was voted in by the fans as a starter, and Paul Pierce was selected as a reserve by the coaches. Allen could still be picked by commissioner David Stern if an Eastern Conference star can’t make it, but Allen plans to use the time to relax. Still, because he’s playing better than last season, he believed he was a strong candidate for the Feb. 15 ..."

Scalabrine out after second concussion

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January 29

Boston Globe

"Brian Scalabrine's second concussion in three days could keep him out for a while. Coach Doc Rivers expects the forward to be out "for at least a week" after he suffered a concussion at practice yesterday. Scalabrine originally suffered a concussion against Dallas Sunday and missed practice Monday. He suffered another concussion when he bumped into Patrick O'Bryant while trying to get a rebound yesterday and was taken to New England Baptist Hospital. "He got hit in the head and just had a mild concussion," Rivers said. "I don't know if he was [unconscious], but it's close. He'll be out probably for quite some time." Scalabrine is averaging 3.1 points and 1.3 rebounds this season and has ..."

Ray Allen, Steve Pagliuca in middle of history

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January 21

Boston Herald

"Guard Ray Allen and Celtics general partner Steve Pagliuca had what the latter called “just about perfect seats” for the inauguration of President Obama yesterday. “We were right in the middle, about 150 yards away,” Pagliuca said. “We could see everything. It was a very emotional moment for Ray, and for myself as well.” According to Pagliuca, Allen turned to him after the swearing-in ceremony and said, “This is an example for the country. It shows all the possibilities, that if someone works hard and is competent they can rise to the highest office in the land and set an example for everybody.” Fellow attendees in the vicinity of the Celtics party included actors Halle Berry and Michael ..."

Allen up for trip to inaugural

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January 20

Boston Globe

"Celtics guard Ray Allen, managing director Steve Pagliuca, and strength and conditioning coach Bryan Doo planned to depart for Washington, D.C., after last night's 104-87 win over the Phoenix Suns in preparation for today's inauguration of Barack Obama. Allen originally feared he would have to call off the trip since his tickets, supplied by Congressman Tim Johnson (R-Ill.), failed to arrive on time. Then Allen had to change plans to bring the rest of his family because of logistical problems involving his son. The details squared away, Allen hired a private plane and will attend without the rest of his family, although he'll be accompanied by Pagliuca and friends. "They're not allowing ..."

Ray Allen set to see history

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January 20

Boston Herald

"Ray Allen will have an up-close view of history when he attends the inauguration of President Barack Obama today in Washington. On Sunday, the Celtics guard feared his tickets to the event had been lost or stolen in the delivery process. “But I got them, so I’ll be down there,” Allen said before the Celtics’ 104-87 victory against the Suns last night at the Garden. “There’s seating on both sides and standing in the way back, so I’ll be kind of up (front) and seated. Allen flew to Washington after the game with Steve Pagliuca aboard the Celtics managing partner’s private plane. “To be able to be there and document it, to take pictures, to be able to talk about it . . . it’s one of those ..."

Boston piggybacks on Allen

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January 12

Globe and Mail

"The Toronto Raptors were in the midst of a modest surge, having won four of five games heading into their NBA contest Sunday afternoon against the struggling Boston Celtics at the Air Canada Centre. Toronto's optimism was further heightened with the pregame news that Jose Calderon, after testing his sore right hamstring in the practice gym, told head coach Jay Triano he was ready to give it a go, and he was inserted into the starting lineup at point guard. About 21/2 hours later, Calderon was on the limp again and the Raptors' mood was considerably darker as Boston rode the sharp-shooting prowess of guard Ray Allen to a 94-88 victory before an announced sellout crowd of 19,800. Allen, who ..."

Roy-less Blazers beat Boston, anyway

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December 31

Portland Tribune

"Steve Blake scored 21 points, LaMarcus Aldridge 20 and Travis Outlaw 17, and Greg Oden had his team-high 10th double double with 13 points and 11 rebounds in 36 minutes as Portland improved to 20-12. Paul Pierce led the Celtics (28-5) with 28 points. Kevin Garnett added 17 points and eight rebounds. Rajon Rondo had 13 points and seven assists, and Ray Allen managed just 12 points. With Roy nursing a sore hamstring, coach Nate McMillan started Rudy Fernandez at shooting guard. Portland had an 83-81 lead when Fernandez made a key steal, hitting the deck in the process. At the other end, Aldridge nailed a fadeaway 13-footer to give Portland an 85-81 edge. Pierce was fouled and made two free ..."

Ray Allen C’s the light in second season as a Celtic

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December 29

Boston Herald

"While most of the individual improvement talk around the Celtics has related to Rajon Rondo and Kendrick Perkins, it’s hard to ignore the strides made by Ray Allen in his second season with the club. Allen entered last night’s game against the Sacramento Kings shooting 49.4 percent from the field - 4.9 percentage points higher than last season. He scored 19 points on 7-of-8 shooting in the 108-63 rout. Beyond that, he appears to be more comfortable in the offense, and a lot of that has been attributed to greater familiarity and getting over ankle surgery performed prior to 2007-08. But it is also tied to the C’s emphasis on transition offense, which is getting Allen better looks at the ..."

Allen opposes Star search

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December 12

Boston Globe

"If Celtics guard Ray Allen could, he would change the NBA All-Star balloting rules to ensure that some of the league's elite players, such as teammate Kevin Garnett, get their due. In the first All-Star tabulation released yesterday, Cleveland's LeBron James led all Eastern Conference forwards with 643,786 votes, while Garnett followed with 495,514 and New Jersey's Yi Jianlian was third with 356,556. The top two vote-getters in each conference at the guard and forward spots and the leader at center will start in the All-Star Game in Phoenix Feb. 15. While Yi's statistics pale in comparison to those of Garnett and James, the native of China has been aided strongly by votes from his ..."

Celtics have will and Ray

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December 8

Boston Globe

"After winning the NBA championship last season, the Celtics felt they needed to repeat in order to be regarded among the franchise's best teams. But after taking a 122-117 overtime win over Indiana last night, this group has established itself, at least statistically. The Celtics (20-2) recorded their 12th straight victory to match the best start to a season set by the 1963-64 team, becoming the first Celtic team to win 20 of its first 22 contests in successive years. Ray Allen (35 points) outscored the Pacers, 7-6, in the first 4:31 of overtime to clinch the result. Allen converted a 3-pointer with :03 left on the shot clock and 43 seconds remaining, then hit two foul shots 14 seconds ..."